Stones emerges as Tuchel's best right-back option after James suffers hamstring blow

Reece James is set to miss England’s World Cup Group L fixture against Panama on Saturday in New Jersey after picking up a hamstring injury, leaving head coach Thomas Tuchel without his first-choice right-back and raising doubts over James’s availability for the Three Lions’ first knockout match the following week.

James, 26, had played every minute of England’s opening two group games before the injury emerged. With no recognised replacement in the squad — Tino Livramento was ruled out during the pre-tournament camp — Tuchel faces a selection puzzle on the right side of defence.

Djed Spence is considered the leading candidate to fill the role given he is right-footed, while Jarell Quansah offers another option at full-back. However, former England defender Danny Mills has made the case for John Stones, arguing the Manchester City centre-back represents the best all-round choice despite it not being his natural position.

“I’d be tempted to play John Stones there if he’s fit,” Mills told Sky Sports. “John Stones has played there before but when I look at all the options — going forward, defensively, who’s good on the ball — he’s probably your best option, as a footballer, playing at right-back. I think he’s a better option defensively than Djed Spence would be.”

Stones, 32, has experience on the right side of defence and started there for England against Croatia earlier in the tournament before dropping to the bench against Ghana. Mills acknowledged the limitations, noting Stones is not blessed with pace, but pointed to his work in that role for City on occasion as evidence it can work at international level.

Mills was also critical of the squad-building decisions that led to the current situation, questioning why Tuchel did not call up a specialist right-back when Livramento was ruled out, instead opting for Trevoh Chalobah. “I don’t understand the defensive selection especially once Livramento was out of the squad. I don’t get calling up Chalobah in the slightest,” Mills said.

With potential knockout-round opponents including Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal in mind, Mills warned that fielding makeshift defenders could prove costly. “When you’re up against the likes of Mbappe, Yamal, whoever else might be in those positions — you’re going to be facing the very best. If you don’t have natural players in those positions, it makes it very difficult.”

England currently sit in Group L and are targeting a win against Panama to secure top spot heading into the knockout rounds.